1. Introduction

1. In January 2017, as part of the broader Scotland's Energy Efficiency Programme, the Scottish Government published a high level policy scoping consultation paper on Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategies ( LHEES), and regulation of district heating. It was part of a suite of consultations on the draft Climate Change Plan, the draft Energy Strategy and related activity [1].

2. Based on the evidence and views gathered from stakeholders, this consultation document sets out our more specific policy proposals for Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategies and regulation of district and communal heating. We are interested to hear your views on the proposals set out and we invite you to contribute to help inform how we develop these proposals further.